Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Senate Bill 510 – Will Provide Greater Protection to Structured Settlement Recipients
Instead of receiving lump sum payments for defendants after a usually life-altering injury, injured parties, under legal and financial counsel, often opt for structured settlements--where payments are spread over time through the purchase of insurance annuities. These annuities are designed to provide long-term financial security and stability to the injured or disabled party and their families. When payments are set up within a structured settlement, payments are tax-free for the life of the annuity. In addition, the settlement is designed so that the injured party or "well meaning" friends and relatives are not tempted to spend the settlement in a reckless manner. Studies show that up to 90 percent of lump sum payments are spent within five years or receipt.
